Types of Plots

Episodic:

• Structure of plot:
  • Book is made up of a series of chapters or stories, each of which has its own plot, builds to an end, and has its own climax.
  • The episodes are usually linked because they are all about the same character, but there is no overall plot or climax to the book.
  • Episodes could be put in a different order or left out without changing the story substantially.
• Example--George and Martha, by James Marshall.

Gradual development:

• Plot has incidents and conflict, but tension and suspense are minimal, and plot does not rise to a definite climax.
• Example--Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible No Good Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst.

Rising action:

• Plot has definite conflict, tension, and suspense which rises to a climax; plot ends at that point without fully resolving the outcome.
• Example--The Borrowers, by Mary Norton; Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, by Robert O'Brien.

Rising and falling action:

• Plot has definite conflict, tension, and suspense which rises to a climax; climax is followed by the denouement in which the outcome is resolved.
• Example--Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak.

Parallel plot:

• Two plots which have similar incidents are described simultaneously or one after the other; plots may (usually do) intersect at some point
• Examples--Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey; Slake's Limbo, by Felice Holman.